Blockchain & Digital Assets

November 21, 2024 @ 9:56 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Chainalysis are pleased to share the fifth annual Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index. In each year’s report, they look at both on- and off-chain data “to determine which countries are leading the world in grassroots crypto adoption.” Chainalysis research highlights countries “where unique cryptocurrency use… Read More

November 21, 2024 @ 5:25 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Crypto.com and Triple-A announced a partnership that will provide Crypto.com’s customer base access to a range of new merchants. Beginning in Singapore, Crypto.com users can soon make purchases from e-commerce brands directly with crypto from “within their trusted Crypto.com wallet while earning exclusive crypto rewards.”… Read More

November 21, 2024 @ 2:52 pm By JD Alois  |  

Earlier today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) issued final rules on non-bank firms providing payments and transfers. Digital payments have become the norm as people adopt digital wallets, hosted on their smartphones, as simpler and quicker way to transfer funds. While there are many… Read More

November 21, 2024 @ 8:22 am By JD Alois  |  

Mercuryo has launched a new program that aims to support 30 Web3 startups. Mercuryo is a payments enabler that seeks to create “a new generation of financial services” by leveraging crypto. The company says that it has decided to support Web3 entrepreneurs as it is… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 9:31 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Blockstream, the global enabler of Bitcoin infrastructure technology, has announced a newly-established Asset Management Division at Blockstream aimed at bridging the gap between Bitcoin and mainstream finance. Hedge fund professional Sean Bill has been appointed as Chief Investment Officer to lead this initiative. An investor… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 3:25 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Bitcoin bulls are clearly in charge. Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s most popular crypto, has rocketed by more than 30% since the election of former President Donald Trump, a digital asset advocate. As Republicans control both the House and Senate—along with the Executive branch —anticipation… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 10:59 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Ripple is pleased to announce Unlocking Opportunity, which is described as the next phase of their partnership with Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV) supporting emerging market SMEs building solutions for financial “resilience” via blockchain and Fintech innovation. The partnership will include financial and technical support from… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 10:57 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) intends to explore strategic opportunities to spin-out its wholly-owned technology platform, GS DAP from its Digital Assets business, to “ultimately” become an “industry-owned” distributed technology solution, subject to regulatory approvals. Goldman Sachs has also introduced a collab with partners to underscore a… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 10:54 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Securitize, the tokenization platform bringing the world onchain, today announced the launch of its new “sToken”, based on ERC-4626 vault technology. This functionality, offered via subsidiary Securitize Credit, in partnership with Elixir’s “deUSD RWA Institutional Program” reportedly unlocks yield-opportunities and “composability for more than $1B… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 9:00 am By JD Alois  |  

Webull is working with Coinbase Derivatives to offer crypto futures, according to a note from the firm. Webull is a digital brokerage that allows investors to purchase shares, ETFs, and other investments, including crypto. It is controlled by China-based holding company Hunan Fumi Information Technology,… Read More

November 20, 2024 @ 7:35 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Paxos, a regulated blockchain and tokenization infrastructure platform,  announced it has agreed to acquire Membrane Finance, an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) based and licensed in Finland. The acquisition is subject to “regulatory approval.” After the completion of the acquisition, Paxos will be a “fully licensed”… Read More

November 19, 2024 @ 10:28 pm By JD Alois  |  

WBTC, a wrapped version of Bitcoin that enables access to the Ethereum network, is being de-listed on Coinbase. The suspension of the digital asset will take place on December 19th. At the same time, Coinbase listed cbBTC, a digital asset that utilizes Arbitrum. The WBTC… Read More

November 19, 2024 @ 7:55 pm By JD Alois  |  

Nexbridge, in partnership with Bitfinex Securities, will offer tokenized US Treasuries, according to a release. The digital securities will utilize Bitcoin’s Liquid Network and Blockstream’s AMP technology. USTBL is said to be the first regulated offering for “US Treasury exposure” built on Bitcoin tech. The… Read More

November 19, 2024 @ 1:20 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Ilya Lichtenstein was sentenced to 60 months for his alleged role in laundering more than 120,000 Bitcoin, which was reportedly stolen from the crypto exchange Bitfinex in 2016. This was the sentence recommended by Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney Jessica Peck. Lichtenstein’s wife, Heather “Razzlekhan” Morgan, is… Read More

November 19, 2024 @ 1:08 pm By JD Alois  |  

Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD) has acquired TradePMR, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with $40 billion in assets under administration based in Florida. TradePMR is said to have “one of the strongest RIA networks in the industry.” The goal is customer acquisition, and the two companies plan to build… Read More

November 19, 2024 @ 10:12 am By JD Alois  |  

Shares of Bakkt (NYSE:BKKT) continue to trade higher following a report by the FT that the crypto firm may be in talks to be acquired by Trump Media. Bakkt, founded by ICE – the parent company of the NYSE, once had high hopes of becoming… Read More

November 18, 2024 @ 10:05 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

A Bengali man was recently taken into police custody, allegedly in connection with the massive $235 million WazirX crypto hack reported earlier this year. Delhi authorities (in India) apparently made a significant breakthrough in the WazirX hacking incident, by arresting a suspect residing in West… Read More

November 18, 2024 @ 10:04 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korean authorities are reportedly investigating crypto exchange Upbit for numerous KYC (Know Your Customer) violations. Due to these reported compliance failures at the Korean exchange, Upbit might have to pay fines as high as $71,500 for each case along with potential issues with its… Read More

November 18, 2024 @ 10:01 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Christian Catalini, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Lightspark, Founder at MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab (as well as previously the Co-Creator of failed Facebook-led Diem / Libra projects), explained that stablecoins are considered to be a novel form of interoperable and programmable money. 1/ Stablecoins, a… Read More

November 18, 2024 @ 5:13 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Robinhood Crypto, a division of Robinhood Markets (Nasdaq: HOOD), expands its offering with Solana (SOL), Pepe (PEPE), Cardano (ADA) and XRP (XRP) for U.S. customers. Robinhood Crypto’s commitment to expanding access whole also maintaining a safe platform now deepens with the addition of 4 digital assets…. Read More